Electric signaling system for railways.



w.1. mesms & c. J. SHERIDAN. ELECTRIC SIGNALING SYSTEM FOR RAILWAYS.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 29. 1908'.

1,245,589. Patented Nov. 6, 1917.

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\VILLIAM J', HIGGINS .AND CHRISTOPHER J, $HEBIDAN, 0F BUFFALO, NEW YORK.

ELECTRIC SIGNALING SYSTEM FOR RAILW AYS.

Patented Nov. 6, 1917.

Application filed Ju y 2 1 08. Serial No. 445,875.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, IVILLIAM J. HIGGINS and CHRISTOPHER J. SHERIDAN, citizens of the United States, and residents of Buffalo, in the county of Erie and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric Signaling Systems for Railways, of which the following is a specification.

Our invention relates to railway signaling systems, wherein a cautionary or danger signal, or both, is given by means of semaphore arms or lights and particularly relates to that type of railway signals known as block systems and in which the apparatus is automatically re ulated in its action by electricity.

The idea of our invention comprehends utilization of a normally closed track circuit to control the operation of a signaling circuit to indicate a clear block and the elimination of the control of the track circuit to energize a signaling circuit to positively op crate danger or cautionary signals in the block in the rear of the train.

Our invention further comprehends the employment of suitable electrically-operated means for imparting a waving motion to the semaphores or to lights located thereon, or for producing intermittent signals by utilizing the waving of the semaphores as a shutter before stationary lights and our present invention further comprehends the employment of a metallic circuit as adapted for use in electric railways.

In the drawings forming part of this specification Figure'l is a diagram of the preferred ar rangement of wiring and the preferred location of the signals relative to the various blocks;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary front view of a semaphore embodying our idea of means for intermittent or flash-lightsignals and a practical means for operating the same;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the construction shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view of our invention as adapted to the semaphore arms to produce a waving signal; and

Fig. 5 is a side or edge view of a convenient means for attaching the signal-light to the end of the semaphore arm.

In the performance of our invention, when a high voltage is used for a long distance termed step-down transformers in each block 7 and we also employ two series of split transformers, one being set on each side of the track, one series being in the signaling circuit of the cautionary-signal and the other in the signaling circuit of the danger-signal, and each adapted to energize secondary coils carried by the train to actuate suitable signals located therein.

In the drawings, we have illustrated our invention as adapted to a double-track system wherein Adesignates the two rails of the track, which are divided into four blocks or sections by proper insulationat the railjoints a and opposite rails of each block are respectively connected. with batteries B preferably located between the rails. The rails of each block form a part of the metallic circuit including relays R R" R of ordinary construction. The terminals of each relay are connected with the rails of each block of thetrack and normally the tworails of the track, the battery and the relays are in closed circuit acting to hold the armature or-switclrarm S against a stop 50 and against the force of a controlling-spring 2; The stop a: is connected by means of a suitable conductor a to a light 1/ located on the signalpost and comprises a block-signal indicating a clear or safe block. The circuit of the clear block-signal includes the transformer E, conductors l and at. A stop 00, suitably located in relation to the armature or switch: arm S, is connected by suitable conductors to a danger-signal operatingin the block the train occupies and with a cautionary-signal.

operating in the block next preceding. Each danger-signaling circuit comprises the transformer E, the armature switch-arm S, the stop m and a conductor 5 leading to I the induction-motor M, located on the sigside of the track, which is utilized to operate danger-signals carried by the passing train.

Each cautionary signaling circuit comprises the transformer E, the armature switch-arm S, conductors 3, 3, and induction-motor M, located on the signal-post and adapted to operate the cautionary semaphore C, acautionary-signal lamp L and return to the transformer by means of conductors 6", 4;. Thiscautionary circuit includestrack coils C preferably located on the left side of the track, which is utilized to operate cautionary-signals carried by the passing tram. The feed-line F connects with the transformers E in a suitable manner.

For convenience, we have indicated the signals as set and appearing inthe blocks, presuming the train to be located in block III at the point Z and traveling in the direction of the arrow and we have indicated for each block the signals and the signal-lights set and appearing therein. Block IV is clear and a white light If indicates safety and the semaphores are at rest; block III, train block, a red light L indicating danger and danger semaphore in operation; and block 11 a white light L indicating safety and a green light L indicating caution and a cautionary semaphore in operation,

' The electro-mechanical part of our invention is particularly designed to produce an effective method of signal-lights by night I and comprises for each signal-post induction electric motors M M, which operate semaphores C I), through spur-gears M M' and pitman D to cause a w ving or up and down motion to the semaphore arms and at the same time cause an intermittent or flashlight as the arms move in front of the signalh ht. which in case of dan er would showa 1 a a a red, as L, or, in case of caution, green, as L. The ll 'hts L L and L are rovided with powerful reflectors L and we have found it desirable to employ a frame L, provided with red or green glass shields rather than to use ared or green light bulb.

For the purpose of signaling more in accord with the trainmens usage, We have placed a light L in the semaphore-arm itself as far from its axis of motion as possible and hare provided this light with a strong reflector L and with a proper signal colored shield so that, when the semaphore operates up and down, as controlled by its motor and operative mechanism, this light will move up and down to accentuate the signal and more effectually detach it from the darkness, as such a moving signal is familiar to trainmen.

To particularly describe the operation of our system, with reference to Fig.- 1, as we have said, we assume the train to be in look III, traveling in the direction of the arrow. It will, therefore, the track-circuit is short-circuited through the axle and wheels of the car, cutting out the resistance of the relay R and allowing the switch-arm S to be drawn by the spring 2- against the stop an, thereby completing the circuit F through the secondary of the transformer E and conductor ,7", to the dangerconductor and the danger-semaphore D and danger-light L located in the train-block IL Atthe same time, it will be perceived that the shunting of this current breaks the;

be apparent that safety-light circuit in block H and thereupon, the safety-light L goes out and the only lightrem'aining in theblock will be the red or danger light. At the same time, through a branch 3 of the danger-conductor 5, the current travels to the second preceding block I. in rear of the train-blocli HI and actuates the cautionary-semaphore and the cautionary-light L. it will, therefore, be perceived that the block in which the train is located, or, as we term it, the trainblock, is guarded at its entrance by means of a red light or danger-signal, while the block in rear of the trainloc guarded at its entrance by a white light or-cautionary-signal indicating that the second block ahead is occupied by a train. The block in advance of the train-block and indicated as block IV in the drawing is guarded by a white light.

Having described our invention, what we claim is:

1. In a block signaling system, in combination with a plurality of train-blocks; a track-circuit for each train-block; a plurality of normally opened and closed sig nal-circuits in each block and including a plurality of signals of different character arranged to operate with reference to said block; a main feed-line common to all the blocks and signal circuits; a relay located in each track-circuitand normally controlling the signals of the'normally opened and closed signal-circuits ofthat block; and means whereby, when a train is in one trainblock, signals in said block and a preceding block differing in character may besimultaneo-usly operated.

2. In a block signaling system, the combination with a plurality of train-blocks; a track-circuit in each block; a signal-circuit corresponding to each block, abranch signal circuit extending into successive bloclrs; signals of different character in said branch signal-circuit; a relay in each traclccircuit; a switch corresponding to each block normally controlled in a predetermined manner by the relay; and means cooperating with the relay whereby the latter will be caused to change its control of the switch so as to.

energize each branch of signal-circuit and display difierent signals in successive blocks.

3. In a block signaling system, the combination with a plurality of train-blocks; a normally-closed track circuit arranged in each block; a branched signal-circuit cone 7 spond g to each block and extending into success e blocksand having one branch normally closed to control a signal; a plurality of signals of different character in each signal-circuit; a relay in each track-circuit; a switch corresponding to each block normally controlled by the relaytoclose said normally closedbranch; and means carried- 130 bythe moving train for causing the trackcircuit to operate the relay to open said normally closed branch of the signal-circuit and close another branch of said signal circuit and control the operation of the various signals in said circuit.

' 4. In a block signaling system, the combination with a plurality of train-blocks; a normally closed track-circuit for each of said train blocks; a branched signal-circuit corresponding to each block and extending into successive blocks and one branch of which is normally closed and contains a safety signal, and other brancl es of which are normally open and contain danger and cautionary signals, respee ively; a relay in each track-circuit; a switch for each relay operated by the latter to control the said branches of the corresponding signal circuit; and means carried by the moving train to short-circuit the track-circuits and close the normally open branches of the signal-circuits so as to operate the said danger and cautionary signals contained therein.

5. In a block signalin system, the combination'with a plurality of train-blocks; a track-circuit in each of said blocks; asignalcircuit corresponding to each block comprising normally opened and closed branches, one of which extends into successive blocks; signals controlled by said branch circuits; an electromagnetic device located in each track-circuit; means cooperating with said device arranged to control said branch signal-circuits for producing different signals.

6. in a block signaling system, the combination 'ith plurality of train-blocks; a track-circuit in each of said blocks; a signalcircuit corresponding to each block comprising a normally opened and closed branch; said opened branch having a branch therefrom extending into another blocir; an elec tro-magnetic device located in each track-circuit; means cooperating with said devices adapted to control the operation of the signaling-circuits; and means in the branches of the signal-circuit for producing different signals.

T. In a block signaling system, the. combination with a plurality of train-blocks; a track-circuit in each of said blocks; a signal-circuit corresponding to each block and having a normally closed branch and also having normally opened branches extending into successive blocks, each of the latter branches having therein signals of different type but of the same significance; an electromagnetic device located in each track-circuit; and means cooperating with said device adapted to open and close said signal circuits according to the conditions of the track-circuit.

8. In a block signaling system, the combination with a plurality of trainblocks; a closed track-circuit for each block; a branched signal-circuit corresponding to each block and having one branch normally closed and controlling a signal therein; a relay in each track-circuit; a switch cooperating with the relay and normally controlled thereby to close said branch; and means forming partof the moving train for influencing the track-circuits to close another branch of the signaling-circuits and produce a signal therein.

9. In a block signaling system, the combination with a track-circuit; a si nal-circuit having a plurality of branches one of which is normally closed; an electromagnetic device located in the traclccircuit, and having means adapted to control the signalcircuit; a post having a semaphore arm; a motor located in a branch of the signal-circuit so as to be actuated under control of the electromagnetic device; means connecting said motor and said semaphore arm; anda light located on one of said elements and arranged to produce signals as the semaphore arm is actuated.

10. In a block signaling system, the combination with a plurality of train-blocks; a normallyclosed track-circuit for each of saidibloclrs; a branched signal-circuit corresponding to each of said blocks and having one of its branches normally closed and another branch normally opened; an electromagnetic device in each track-circuit; means cooperating with said device to open and close the branches of the signal circuit; a motor in the normally opened branch of the said signaling-circuits so as to be actuated under control of the electro -magnetic device; and suitable means operated by said motor for producing waving signals.

.11. In a block signaling system, the combination wi h normally-closed track-circuit; a branched si nal-circuit corresponding to each of said blocks and having one branch normally closed and controlling sig nals therein; a relay in the track-circuit; a switch mecha ism cooperating with the relay to control the signal-circuit; a motor located in another branch of the signal-circuit; so as to be actuated under control of the electro-magnetic device; and suitable means operated by the said motor for producing waving signals in the signaling circult.

12. In a block signaling system, the combination with a plurality of train-blocks;

and signaling means located in the danger or cautionary branch of the signal-circuit, including devices for producing predetermined signals.

13. In a block signaling system, in combination. a tracl-:-circuit; a signal-circuit comprising normally closed and normally opened branch circuits for controlling signals; a relay in the traclecircuit; a switch cooperating with the relay for, opening and closing said branch signal-circuits; and means on a train to short-circuit the trackcn'cuit for operating said switch so as to operate he signals in said signal-circuit.

14'. In a block signaling system, in combination with a plurality of trainbloclrs; of a track-circuit for each train block; a plurality of signal-circuits in each block; a main feed line for all the signal-circuits for each block; a relay in each track-circuit; a shiftable means in each block extending from said feed line and influenced by said relay to alternately make and break certain SlgTHILClI'CUlt-S of each block according to the condition of the track-circuit.

15. In a block signaling system, in combination with a plurality of train blocks; of a track-circuit for each train block; a plurality of signal-circuits in each block; a main feed line for all the signal-circuits for each block; means in said feed line for supplying each signal-circuit of each block with a supply of current; a relay in each trackcircuit; and shiftable means for each block extending from said means in the feed line and influenced by said relay to alternately make and break certain circuits of each block according to the condition of the track-circuit.

16. In a block signaling system, in combination with a plurality of train blocks; of a track-circuit for each train block; a plurality of signal-circuits in each block; a main feed line for all the signal-circuits for each block; signals in said signal-circuits; a plurality of transformers in said feed line cooperating respectively with said train block; a relay in each track-circuit; shiftable means connected with the secondary of each transformer and under the influence of said relay to alternately open and close different signal-circuits in its respective block according to the conditions of the track-circuit thereof.

17. In a block signaling system, in combi nation with a plurality of train blocks, of a track-circuit for each train block; a plurality of signal-circuits corresponding to each block and comprising a plurality of normally opened and normally closed branch circuits, one of said branch circuits extending into successive blocks; signals in each branch circuit and controlled thereby; a feed line for all the signal-circuits of each block; and means in said feed line for supplying each branch of the signal-circuits of each block with a supply of current; a relay in each track-circuit; a. shiftable means in each block extending from said means in the feed line and influenced by said relay to alternately open and close the branch circuits of its respective block according to the condition of the track-circuit thereof.

18. In a block signaling system, the combination with a plurality of train blocks; a track-circuit in each block having a relay therein; a branched signal-circuit for each block, each branch having a signal of predetermined character; a main feed line hav ing a. plurality of transformers, one for each block, and including a primary and a secondary; a switching device for each block cooperating with the relay thereof andnormally controlled thereby to close one of the signal branches and operate the signal thereof, said device being in the circuit including the secondary of the transformer of said blockyand means for actuating said switching device to shift the feed line current to another signal branch so as to actuate the signal thereof.

Signed at Buffalo, in the county of Erie and State of New York.

WILLIAM J. HIGGINS. CHRISTOPHER J. SHERIDAN. Witnesses IVILLIAM THOMPSON, B. F. RANDOLPH.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G, 

